Tuesday, March 31, 2009

Finding The Right Car Insurance

By Tom Martens

It's not impossible for even those in South Africa to find the right car insurance if you understand your cover options and the techniques needed to save on car insurance premiums.

You can choose from three basic types of car insurance cover: Third Party, Third Party Fire and Theft and Comprehensive. Third Party is the minimum cover and pays for damage to other people's property caused by an accident that is your fault. Third Party Fire and Theft adds to the minimum by including cover for damage caused by theft, attempted theft and fire. Comprehensive Cover includes all of this and pays to cover damage to your own vehicle in an accident that is your fault.

While Comprehensive Cover costs the most, it also provides the greatest amount of coverage. Most South Africans should probably get this kind of insurance to cover all of the risks that they face. Now how do you get this insurance at the best price? These are ten tips that can reduce the cost of your insurance. Not all of them will work for you, but at least some of them will be effective for everyone.

If you are in the market for new insurance, the first thing you need to decide is what you want in your policy. You have decide what are you looking for the policy to cover. How much of deductible do you want, and how many cars are you going to cover. And if you own money on one or all of them, make sure that you have complete coverage. The best thing to do is do some research and then compare companies. That way you can make sure you make the best decision you can for what the cost is and for what you want.

Each policy comes with a deductible, which is the amount you have to pay if you file a claim. People save money by selecting a higher deductible. Make sure if you ever file a claim you a sure to pay the deductible.

You may gain lower premium with yyour current insurance company by being a safe driver. Each year that passes in which you don't file a claim you may also be eligible to get better rates with another company.

Whenever you are looking at insurance companies always consider the different prices. Higher performance and expensive cars always are a higher cost due to their risk profile and expensive parts. When you are shopping for a car, include the insurance premium in your budget.

Consider moving, not only for better premiums, but for your own personal safety.Your premiums will reflect that due to the increased risk of your car being stolen or hijacke,if you live in a high crime area.

You could get a discount if you park your car in a locked garage or behind locked gates overnight. Keeping your vehicle off the street at night reduces the risk that it will be stolen or damaged, therefore reducing your premium.

Insurance companies tend to require minimum security requirements for insured vehicles. By adding devices like global tracking devices or gearlocks, you can exceed the minimum requirements and be eligible for a discount.

The number of people you let drive your car is also a risk factor. If you keep the number of allowed drivers at a mininmum it helps the insurer calculate your risk factor better in turn lowering your premium.

Don't be afraid to negotiate. Many insurance companies are flexible about their premiums and will be willing to work with you in order to earn your business.

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